Leaders of the Economic Community of West African States have given the green light to a $25 billion pipeline that will carry natural gas from Nigeria to Morocco. The African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, approved at a recent ECOWAS summit, is designed to move 30 billion cubic meters of gas annually by 2029.
Pipeline route and capacity
The pipeline will stretch from Nigeria's gas-rich Niger Delta region across several West African countries before reaching Morocco. From there, the gas could be exported to Europe or used to fuel local industries. The project targets a capacity of 30 billion cubic meters per year, a volume that would significantly boost regional energy trade.
Why the approval matters
For ECOWAS member states, the pipeline offers a chance to monetize natural gas reserves that have long been underdeveloped. Nigeria holds some of Africa's largest gas deposits, but much of it is flared or left in the ground. The Morocco link gives those resources a direct route to international markets. It also provides a new energy corridor for countries along the route, many of which struggle with unreliable power supplies.
The approval is a major step, but the pipeline still needs financing, environmental permits, and construction contracts. The $25 billion price tag makes it one of the largest infrastructure projects in West Africa. The target date of 2029 means work will need to start soon. The next phase will involve detailed engineering studies and negotiations with potential investors.
